Craving the comforting warmth and sweet, spiced aroma of cinnamon rolls? But the thought of all that kneading, rolling, and slicing leaves you feeling less than enthusiastic? I get it! That’s why I’m beyond excited to share this recipe for Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles. This genius shortcut delivers all the delicious flavor of traditional cinnamon rolls, but with a fraction of the effort. These come together incredibly fast and are perfect for a weekend brunch, a quick dessert, or a sweet treat any time you need a little pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Roll Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these delightful cinnamon roll triangles. Here are just a few:
- Super Easy: No complicated yeast dough or fussy rolling required!
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey goodness in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal Mess: Fewer steps mean less cleanup!
- Perfectly Portioned: The triangle shape is ideal for individual servings.
- Incredibly Delicious: All the classic cinnamon roll flavor you crave, in a fun and easy package.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles
Let’s talk ingredients! These cinnamon roll triangles use simple, pantry-friendly items to create a delightful treat. The combination of flaky puff pastry, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adapt it to your preferences, adjusting the amount of cinnamon or sweetness to suit your taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Puff Pastry: The star of the show! We use store-bought puff pastry for ultimate convenience. Make sure to thaw it according to the package directions so it’s easy to work with but still cold. This is crucial for getting those beautiful, flaky layers.
- Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon: This dynamic duo creates the classic cinnamon roll flavor. The granulated sugar provides sweetness, while the ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon to your liking – some people prefer a more intense cinnamon flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is brushed between the layers of puff pastry, adding richness and flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the triangles.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for our simple yet delicious glaze. Powdered sugar dissolves easily, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Milk: Used to thin the powdered sugar into a glaze. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle depth of flavor to the glaze.
You can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. Using high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your cinnamon roll triangles, so choose the best you can.
Crafting Your Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles: Step-by-Step
Ready to transform these simple ingredients into delicious cinnamon roll triangles? Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is incredibly straightforward. The key is to work quickly with the puff pastry to keep it cold, ensuring those flaky layers. Let’s get started!
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures the puff pastry will bake evenly and puff up beautifully. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the triangles from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Magic: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple mixture is what gives our cinnamon roll triangles their signature flavor. Make sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
- Layering the Flavors: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. The flour prevents the pastry from sticking. Brush the puff pastry with half of the melted butter, ensuring you cover the entire surface. This adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere. Sprinkle evenly with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Double the Goodness: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the first. Gently press down to seal the layers together. This helps prevent the layers from separating during baking. Brush with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Cutting into Triangles: This is where the magic happens! Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the layered pastry into 6 or 8 equal triangles. The trick here is to cut from the center point outwards to each corner, like slicing a pizza.
- Baking to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the triangles to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. This allows them to bake evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Glaze Time: While the pastries are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The vanilla extract adds a lovely touch of flavor. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. You want a glaze that is thick enough to coat the triangles but thin enough to drizzle easily.
- Drizzle and Enjoy: Once the pastries are slightly cooled, drizzle with the glaze. The warmth of the pastries will help the glaze melt and spread. Serve warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
Tips for Perfect Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles Every Time
Want to ensure your cinnamon roll triangles are a resounding success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Keep the Puff Pastry Cold: Puff pastry is at its best when cold. If it gets too warm, the butter will melt, and the layers won’t puff up properly. If you’re working in a warm kitchen, consider chilling the puff pastry in the refrigerator for a few minutes before using it.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, tough triangles. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown and puffed.
- Get Creative with Fillings: While the classic cinnamon-sugar filling is delicious, feel free to experiment with other flavors. Add a layer of Nutella, sprinkle with chopped nuts, or mix in some dried fruit.
- Make them Gluten-Free: You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry. Be sure to check the package instructions for any specific baking requirements.
- Add a Cream Cheese Glaze: For an extra touch of richness, make a cream cheese glaze by combining powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract. This glaze is especially delicious with the cinnamon-sugar filling. If you’re looking for more dessert inspiration, you might also enjoy our recipe for Easy Caramel Nut Dessert Jars!
What to Serve With Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles
These cinnamon roll triangles are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other dishes. Serve them as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and eggs. They also make a delightful dessert after a light meal. For a truly decadent experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Your Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the triangles ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them just before serving for the best texture. You can also prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze baked cinnamon roll triangles. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While granulated sugar is traditionally used, you can experiment with other types of sugar. Brown sugar will add a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Turbinado sugar will add a bit of a crunchy texture.
My puff pastry is sticking to the counter. What should I do?
Make sure you’re using enough flour on your work surface. If the pastry is still sticking, try chilling it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the cinnamon-sugar filling. Just sprinkle them over the puff pastry before adding the second sheet. Want another recipe with nuts? Check out this easy caramel nut dessert jars recipe.
Enjoy Your Homemade Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles!
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and fuss-free way to enjoy the classic flavor of cinnamon rolls. These Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in warm, gooey goodness. And don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear how they turned out. Happy baking!
Easy Cinnamon Roll Triangles (No Rolling Required!)
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush with half of the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top of the first. Gently press down. Brush with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the layered pastry into 6 or 8 equal triangles. The trick here is to cut from the center point outwards to each corner.
- Carefully transfer the triangles to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- While the pastries are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Once the pastries are slightly cooled, drizzle with the glaze. Serve warm.